In October of 1946, a B-29 commanded by Col. C.S. Irvine flew nonstop from Oahu to Cairo by a polar route.  Irvine's Superfortress, named the Pacusan Dreamboat, traveled 9,500 miles in 39 hours and 36 minutes.

The Pacusan Dreamboat's flight was followed closely by the international press.

The Pacusan Dreamboat was stripped of most of its defensive armor and armament to make it lighter.  Also, additonal fuel tanks were added to could carry 10,000 gallons of fuel.

Most B-29s had gun turrets above and below the cockpit section. The Pacusan Dreamboat did not, as evident in this photo.

The flight of the Pacusan Dreamboat proved that aircraft could safely flew over the North Pole region and that in doing so, travel time would be decreased.  The San Diego Air & Space Museum holds a scrapbook in its collection donated by Col. Irvine which details this flight. Images from the scrapbook can be found here.

The crew of the Pacusan Dreamboat are pictured in a rare moment of relaxation.

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